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Heating element orientation question
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:55 pm
by Nutmegmooner
I've been reading and thinking a LOT lately about converting my 15.5 gal. boiler to electric. Bought a controller kit and as I was assembling it I was discussing things with a trusted friend. He suggested that I need to orient the inchworm shaped heating element up and down rather than flat. My question to you fine folks is does it matter? As I have already figured out that it has to have enough room to rotate as I thread it into my couple, affecting where I drill my hole, meaning it can't be right close to the bottom. What say you wrt flat or up and down? Love to hear your thoughts!
Re: Heating element orientation question
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:02 pm
by aquavita
Ah - I think that if you set it vertical, you run the risk of a partially exposed element.
I know that some elements say they can handle being "run-dry", but I wouldn't want to try it.
Even in water heaters they are horizontal.
Re: Heating element orientation question
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:10 pm
by The KYChemist
aquavita wrote:Ah - I think that if you set it vertical, you run the risk of a partially exposed element.
I know that some elements say they can handle being "run-dry", but I wouldn't want to try it.
Even in water heaters they are horizontal.
+100! With that kind of a suggestion, I would listen to any future suggestions politely. Then, if unsure for reason, bring said suggestion here. Let the pros, NOT including myself, guide you in the right direction.
Re: Heating element orientation question
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:42 pm
by shadylane
Nutmeg do you mean having the element mounted vertically as it strait up from the bottom.
Or having a horizontal element rotated so that the loop is vertical.
Re: Heating element orientation question
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 4:34 pm
by Soggy Bottom Boy
I saw a HLT with 2 vertical, wavy elements in it, just last night.
One Camco 5500 and one 4500 element mounted in the bottom of the pot, sticking straight up. .....but they were mounted in 60+ gallon pot used to heat up water for brewing, so low liquid level is not an issue. In a small pot where you are significantly reducing the volume of liquid by distilling, .....probably not such a good idea!
I'll get a pic of it next time I'm there and post it up.
Re: Heating element orientation question
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 5:46 pm
by S-Cackalacky
Weird, this same exact question was asked several months ago. I think in that case as well, the friend was deemed an idiot.